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Before celebrating with family members and friends, small-business owners and professionals will ring in the holidays with each other.

Over the next two weeks, at least seven seasonally themed business mixers are happening throughout Tucson — and there's still time to reserve a seat at any one of them.

Unlike at other monthly events, the mood is more informal, so the emphasis is less on conducting business than on having fun, said Beth Dannheim, chairwoman for the National Association of Women Business Owners' local holiday luncheon and auction this year.

"Our regular luncheons are more like a business meeting. They're very structured," she said. This month, though, "it's truly meant to be a festive gathering."

The same goes for Lynn Perez-Hewitt, a marketing consultant with the Microbusiness Advancement Center.

"In December, people's focus is less on learning new things about their business than it is about celebrating that we've gotten through another year," she said.

That means more networking. If your strategy consists of small talk and a business card, now is the time to consider re-evaluating it.

Networking isn't about being the one holding the most business cards at the end of the night, said networking consultant Olivia Fox Cabane, executive director of Spitfire Communications LLC in New York City.

Try focusing instead on developing meaningful contacts that can last year-round.

"Really listen to the people you're speaking with instead of of trying to sell your products, which is pretty much the worst thing you can do," she said.

Rather than send you off unprepared, Fox Cabane assembled this list of suggestions for improving your networking strategy for the holidays — or any time of year:

● Research.

"Just because there's a bazillion mixers available, that doesn't mean you should be going to all of them," she said.

To narrow the field, consider the audience. Fox Cabane uses the following example:

If you're a technology firm selling software to lawyers, attending a tech-industry mixer may give you an insight into your competition but not many potential clients. Instead, check to see if there are any legal parties scheduled.

Know who's attending the mixers by asking for a list of guests beforehand, if possible. Then research their companies to see if any fit your market. Though you won't be selling to them that day, you've introduced yourself.

● Go with the right attitude.

"You want to get in the mind-set that you're there to distribute your time, knowledge and expertise with these people," Fox Cabane said.

"See if you can help them, even if it has nothing to do with your services," she added. "That is when you take out your business card and write the recommendation on it."

When following up the next day, reiterate your (presumably helpful) advice.

For example, "if you mentioned a book to them, send them the Amazon.com link to it," she said.

● Arrive early.

Gone are the days of being fashionably late, Fox Cabane said. Arriving early gives you a chance to warm up and place yourself in the best spot, strategically.

Better yet, if you're there just eyeing the buffet table, she recommends offering to help the organizers.

"It gives you something to do, and it makes the event your event," she explained. Plus, "it makes the organizers see you as one of theirs."

Enough so that you can begin asking who's attending and — if you're feeling confident — request to be introduced.

● Take notes.

Did that new contact mention a passion for music or talk about her three children? Make a note of it on the back of his or her business card, Fox Cabane said.

In subsequent conversations, if you heard of a new CD or kid-friendly movie, mention it as a way to define yourself as someone with valuable information — not someone just interested in a sale, she added.

● Breathe.

When feeling self-conscious, people forget to breathe and take in short breaths, aggravating the situation, Fox Cabane said. Take deep breaths, which can help calm your nerves and allow you to actually enjoy the party.